Zainab A.Salam

Empowering Organizations Through Data Strategy and Human-Centered Leadership

Zainab A. Salam is a dynamic and visionary leader in Data, AI, and Digital Transformation with over 17 years of cross-industry experience spanning insurance, telecom, and financial services. As the Head of Data Management at Walaa Cooperative Insurance, she leads with purpose—bridging strategy and innovation to unlock business value, build resilient governance systems, and shape inclusive digital cultures. Her work is as strategic as it is human-centered, and her influence extends beyond corporate corridors into advocacy, mentorship, and regional leadership for women in tech.

A Career Built on Curiosity and Courage

Zainab’s professional journey began with a deep curiosity for how technology could solve real-world challenges. Starting in IT and telecom, she quickly gained expertise in systems and operations. But her passion expanded beyond infrastructure—towards the strategic power of data to drive transformation.

Her career took her across major industries, each chapter building on the last. In her current role at Walaa Cooperative Insurance, she has transformed the Data Management Office into a center of excellence, embedding data governance, analytics, and AI into the heart of business decision-making. What drives her? A relentless commitment to impact, innovation, and empowering others—especially women aspiring to lead in the digital era.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Zainab’s leadership track record includes several defining achievements:

• Establishing a Data Management Office from the ground up, designing frameworks that now guide enterprise-wide analytics and governance.
• Leading award-winning digital transformation initiatives in insurance and telecom, aligning data strategy with business value.
• Driving over 40% growth in AI and cloud solutions pipeline through strategic consulting and stakeholder engagement.
• Shaping C-level decision-making by delivering high-impact insights and performance frameworks.
• Founding and mentoring a regional women-in-tech community, providing leadership training, resources, and support for the next generation of female innovators.

Purpose-Driven Leadership and Vision

Zainab’s mission is twofold: to turn data into a strategic asset for organizations, and to empower people—especially women—to lead confidently in the digital age.

She envisions a future where data isn’t just collected but activated—fueling intelligent decisions, innovation, and trust. For Zainab, it’s not just about deploying technology; it’s about designing systems and cultures where people and innovation can thrive together. Her leadership style blends strategic clarity with emotional intelligence—an approach that has earned her influence, recognition, and deep respect in her industry.

Overcoming Barriers with Bold Thinking

In a region where data transformation is still evolving, Zainab has often worked in organizations that were not yet data-literate. Instead of focusing only on technical solutions, she prioritized building trust, shifting mindsets, and aligning stakeholders around a shared vision of change.

Being a woman in tech and leadership presented its own challenges, but Zainab turned adversity into advocacy—creating spaces where more women can thrive. Through mentorship, community building, and public thought leadership, she continues to dismantle barriers for others on their own path to leadership.

Recognition & Awards

Zainab’s impactful work has been acknowledged through numerous awards, including:

• Global 200 Women Power Leaders – Exemplary Women Leader of the Year 2025 by White Page International
• Global 200 Women Power Leaders 2024 by White Page International
• Discover Award 2024 by SAP Customer Advisory (EMEA) for transformative deal leadership
• Recognition by Prince Sultan University (2024) for her role in the Women in Data Science (WiDS) Conference in Riyadh

Words of Advice for Future Leaders

To aspiring professionals, especially women in tech, Zainab offers this wisdom:

“Don’t just chase technology—understand the people and purpose behind it. Your voice, your vision, and your leadership matter. Invest in learning, lead with intention, and never underestimate your ability to drive change.”

Her own path—marked by resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to lifting others—serves as a guiding light for the next generation of innovators.

Driving Change in Industry and Community

Zainab’s influence extends beyond her organization. She is a respected thought leader and mentor, helping shape the future of AI and data across the Middle East. Within Walaa Cooperative Insurance, she’s leading responsible innovation with advanced data governance frameworks. Outside, she’s fostering communities, elevating women’s voices, and shaping a more inclusive digital future—one conversation, one workshop, one bold idea at a time.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Zainab A. Salam is not just building systems—she’s building a legacy. One where data is ethical, strategy is inclusive, and leadership is driven by both purpose and performance.

In an age of transformation, her story reminds us that the most powerful technology is that which uplifts, empowers, and unites us.